The graphene/nucleic acid nanobiointerface

The combination of nanomaterials with biomolecules yields functional nanostructured biointerfaces with synergistic properties and functions. Owing to a unique combination of its crystallographic and electronic structure, graphene and its derivatives exhibit several superior and typical properties, and has emerged as an attractive candidate for the fabrication of novel nanobiointerfaces with different kinds of unique applications. As is known, nucleic acids are stable and can easily handle modification, and can recognize a wide range of targets with high selectivity, specificity, and affinity. The integration of nucleic acids with graphene-based materials has been substantially advanced over the past few years, achieving amazing properties and functions, thereby exhibiting attractive potential applications in biosensing, diagnostics, drug screening and biomedicine. Herein, this review addresses the recent progress on the design and fabrication of graphene/nucleic acid nanostructured biointerfaces, and the fundamental understanding of their interfacial properties, as well as the various nanobiotechnological applications. To begin with, we summarize the basic features of the graphene and nucleic acid-based nanobiointerface, especially the interfacial interaction mechanism and the resulting biological effects. Then, the fabrication and characterization methodology of graphene and nucleic acid-based nanobiointerfaces are discussed. Next, particular emphasis is directed towards the exploration of their biosensing and biomedical applications, including small molecule detection, protein and DNA sensing/sequencing, as well as gene delivery and therapy. Finally, some significant prospects, further opportunities and challenges in this emerging field are also suggested.